St.Clair accepts yearlong stint in Costa Rica

Carl St.Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony in a concert in September at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.

Carl St.Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony in a concert in September at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. (STEVEN GEORGES, Daily Pilot)

Carl St.Clair, longtime music director of the Pacific Symphony, will turn his attention next year to a Pacific symphony of a different kind.

St.Clair has accepted a one-year appointment as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, the Orange County symphony announced in a release. He will continue to hold his regular post while working in Costa Rica.

The conductor, who has guest-conducted with the Central American orchestra three times in recent years, is scheduled to conduct six concerts for the symphony's official season and may put on additional shows, according to the release.

"I have enjoyed a growing relationship with the National Symphony," St.Clair, who was chosen for the post by the National Music Centre of the Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica, said in a statement. "They are a wonderful orchestra, and I admire how passionately committed they are to their mission of engaging their nation in this great art form."

St.Clair will celebrate his 25th anniversary with the Pacific Symphony next year.